Sunday, September 29, 2013

If you own a car, you know that in order for it to continue to run
properly, you have to keep up with maintenance and service. In other words, if
you expect the car to get you from Point A to Point B in reliable fashion, you must keep
up with the oil changes, tire rotations and even car washes. The obvious
comparison to my journey isn’t much different: since the vehicle for my road
trip is my body, I have to make sure that it is in working order so that I make
it to my destination.

I look at starting the WW plan as the beginning, sort of like test driving
a car before deciding to purchase it. But then, as I got more involved with
the program, I realized that I had to step up my game to stay on course, much
like taking a car in for an oil change. Then I started doing other things that
helped take my journey to the next level. Things like weight training, kick
boxing, even occasionally doing some interval jogging on the treadmill. All part
of the maintenance of my vehicle.

But it wasn’t just the big decisions that have had an impact my success.
The small, seemingly innocuous decisions have also added up to positive results.
Deciding to write this blog, buying an ActiveLink (or any other type of activity
monitor) and of course, the purchase of the treadmill are all little choices that I
made to improve the road trip; however, had I chosen to not make any of
those decisions, my journey would have still been successful, but probably just a tad
boring. I look at these ancillary choices like getting my car washed — I can
still get where I want to go in a dirty car, but it makes the trip more fun to
be driving down the road in a clean one.

The important take-away here is to remember that you will be driving for a
while and it makes sense to ensure that the car you are driving is fun, safe,
reliable and will get you where you want to go. I mean, that’s why we are all on
this journey, right? To make sure that the ride along the way is enjoyable? So,
keep up with the little things and hopefully you start to notice that the
journey does get easier as you get further down the road. Or, perhaps it’s not
that it’s getting easier, maybe you are just getting stronger and are better
equipped with your ability to handle the twists and turns of the open road.

Friday, September 13, 2013

We've all heard the PSAs and the news stories about the devastating
statistics surrounding texting and driving. The reason why you shouldn't text
while driving is simple: it’s distracting. If you are fumbling with your phone
(texting or dialing or Tweeting or Facebooking) you are not paying attention to
what you are doing. If you’re not careful, disaster could strike because of not
focusing on the task at hand. I have found out that there are plenty of
distractions that pop up on my personal road trip, as well.

Everyday, I am faced with distractions that jump out in front of me like a
ball that was errantly thrown into the street. I know that I must keep my eyes
on the road so that I can be prepared to maneuver around these obstacles that
come out of nowhere. I like to control my environment so as to keep such
distractions to a minimum, but life will— more often than not— get in the way,
so I have to be ready. Now, that’s not to say that I walk around like a ninja
ready to pounce on unsuspecting prey, but I do stay focused by asking myself
this one question: “Is it worth it?” Most of the time, I know that the answer is
no; however, there are times where the answer has been a resounding “yes!!”
(Hmmm, could that be considered “texting at a red light”? Probably) But, as I
have said so many times here, this journey that we are on, is supposed to be
enjoyable. I understand that living life like a mouse trap always waiting to
spring, but never knowing if or when you will break, doesn't sound like a lot of
fun. It's certainly not the way I would want to live, so I have learned to
manage my distractions.

Now, I know me, and if I were to go to a broccoli factory and they
said “you can eat until your satisfied”, I’m pretty sure I'd just turn around
and walk away. Now, an all-you-can-eat chocolate/coconut/macaroon facility? Now
we’re talking! But here’s the thing, if I stay focused on my destination, I
don't let anything distract me from reaching that destination and I walk in
there with all the self-control I can muster, I know that I will be able to keep
my vehicle under control and allow myself the opportunity to splurge. The bonus
is that since nothing is off limits with the WW plan, it's not really cheating!

Wait, what was my point? Once I started thinking about
a macaroon factory, I got distracted from what I was trying to say. Ironically, I believe I just made my point. Don't let silly little things derail
what you have worked so hard to accomplish. You are on this journey for a reason
and have an important goal that you are trying to reach, so don't take your eyes
off the road, not even for a second, because it could be disastrous for your
road trip.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

I realize that, in the real world, it is never a good idea to pick up
strangers along the side of the road and drive them to their destination. I mean
really, we all know how that movie ends! However, sometimes in your own
private road trip, it may be necessary to stop and let others in your car. As
I’ve mentioned before (in Road Trip Buddies), it is important that you share
your journey; however, it may often prove necessary for you to stop your car and
offer to help someone get back on the road. Many times this “someone” will be
part of your own inner-circle, so while it’s not technically picking up a
hitchhiker, it does qualify as helping someone who is stranded get from point A to
point B.

While others may be excited for you during your successful journey, it
still may be hard for them to willingly acknowledge that they are
really ready for their own road trip. So, it is extremely important that you understand whether your buddies want to come along for the
ride or are still trying to map out their route. After all, if they aren’t
willing passengers, it could make both your journeys a little less enjoyable,
because you may end up fighting over silly things like the radio station, the
temperature or even what games to play along the way! Also, you will want to be
cognizant of the fact that sooner or later, your passengers may want to get out
of your car and get into their own. Let them, that is the only way they will be
able to celebrate when they get to their own destination.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that this journey is supposed
to be fun! Whether you are by yourself, with a few close friends or a group of people
you picked up along the way, have fun with it. Life is too short to sit on the
sidelines and watch others accomplish their goals, wishing you could do the
same. Treat life like a pool— jump in, splash around and play until you get
wrinkled, then play some more.